Car Talk
Opel Teased The New Astra In Latest Design (PHOTOS)
It was three months ago when Peugeot unveiled the new 308 and now the German side of Stellantis is teasing the Opel sister car. The revamped Astra shows off sharp design accents while providing a peek inside the cabin, confirming it’ll be a vast departure from the outgoing model.
The official preview demonstrates the compact hatchback is more than just a rebadged version of its French cousin, boasting a significantly different look inside and out.
The exterior styling takes after the latest Mokka crossover, with similar matrix LED headlights flanking what Opel refers to as its Vizor front-end treatment originally seen on the 2018 GT X Experimental Concept. Another teaser image shows a section of the rear end, revealing the new Astra is the latest model to proudly carry the model’s name across the center of the tailgate, akin to archrivals VW Golf, Ford Focus, and SEAT Leon.
Stepping inside the cabin, that dual-screen setup immediately makes us think of the Mokka with its 12-inch fully digital instrument cluster accompanied by a 10-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Much like in the crossover, the central display is slightly tilted towards the driver and there are some traditional buttons underneath for quick access.
The steering wheel appears a tad fancier than what you’ll find in the Mokka, and at the same time, it’s different compared to the Peugeot 308’s. We are hoping those glossy black controls are traditional buttons rather than touch-sensitive keys we’re beginning to see more of with recent car debuts. Although it looks extremely familiar, the logo on the steering wheel is actually an updated version unveiled at the end of 2020.
Opel is tight-lipped regarding the technical specifications, but it does confirm the Astra is going to be electrified for the very first time in its 30 years on the market. If it’s anything like the 308, expect two plug-in hybrid, front-wheel-drive models with an electric motor rated at 81 kW and a 12.4-kWh battery pack.
In the Peugeot, there’s a gasoline engine with either 150 hp or 180 hp for a combined output of 180 hp and 225 hp, respectively. The French hatchback in both PHEV configurations has a zero-emissions range of up to 37 miles (60 kilometers) per WLTP.
The plug-in hybrid Astra should be available alongside a conventional turbocharged 1.2-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine and a diesel 1.5-liter with a choice between a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic. There are rumors of a high-performance electrified OPC model with roughly 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive, but nothing is official at this point.
Meanwhile, Opel says it will unveil the overhauled Astra soon and will bring back production at home in Rüsselsheim, Germany later this year. Fans of long roofs will be happy to hear the hatchback will be joined by a more practical Sports Tourer wagon.
Credit: Opel & Motor 1
You must be logged in to post a comment Login